Systems and methods for acquiring and moving objects

ABSTRACT

An end effector system is disclosed for a robotic system that includes a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector, and a secondary retention system that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the primary acquisition system, wherein at least a portion of the primary acquisition system may be drawn up within at least a portion of the secondary retention system such that the primary end effector system may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be used to secure the object for rapid transport to an output destination.

PRIORITY

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/276,653 filed Jan. 8, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention generally relates to programmable motion systems and relates in particular to end effectors for programmable motion devices (i.e., robotic systems) for use in object processing such as object sortation.

End effectors for robotic systems, for example, may be employed in certain applications to select and grasp an object, and then move the acquired object very quickly to a new location. End effectors that are designed to very securely grasp an object during movement may have limitations regarding how quickly and easily they may select and grasp an object from a jumble of dissimilar objects. Conversely, end effectors that may quickly and easily grasp a selected object from a jumble of dissimilar objects may have limitations regarding how securely they may grasp an acquired object during rapid movement, particularly rapid acceleration and deceleration (both angular and linear).

Many end effectors employ vacuum pressure for acquiring and securing objects for transport or subsequent operations by articulated arms. Other techniques for acquiring and securing objects employ electrostatic attraction, magnetic attraction, needles for penetrating objects such as fabrics, fingers that squeeze an object, hooks that engage and lift a protruding feature of an object, and collets that expand in an opening of an object, among other techniques. Typically, end effectors are designed as a single tool, such as for example, a gripper, a welder, or a paint spray head, and the tool is typically designed for a specific set of needs.

There remains a need therefore, for an end effector in a programmable motion system that may select and grasp an object, and then move the acquired object very quickly to a new location.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, the invention provides an end effector system for a robotic system. The end effector system includes a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector, and a secondary retention system that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the primary acquisition system, wherein at least a portion of the primary acquisition system may be drawn up within at least a portion of the secondary retention system such that the primary end effector system may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be used to secure the object for rapid transport to an output destination.

In accordance with another embodiment, the invention provides an end effector system for a robotic system. The end effector system includes a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector, and a secondary retention system proximate to the primary gripper system such that the primary end effector system may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be used to retain the object for rapid transport to an output destination.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of engaging and moving an object using a robotic system. The method includes the steps of engaging the object with a primary end effector of a primary acquisition system, moving the object toward a secondary retention system, retaining the object with the secondary retention system, and transporting the object to an output destination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description may be further understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative diagrammatic view of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative diagrammatic view of an end effector portion of the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A-3C show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with an embodiment including a tubular annulus during acquisition and retention of an object;

FIGS. 4A-4D show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with another embodiment including a jamming gripper during acquisition and retention of an object;

FIGS. 5A-5C show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with a further embodiment including vacuum cups during acquisition and retention of an object;

FIGS. 6A-6D show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with a further embodiment including gripping retention actuators during acquisition and retention of an object;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with a further embodiment including a retention shroud during acquisition and retention of an object;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with an embodiment including further gripping retention actuators during acquisition and retention of an object;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with an embodiment including a further arrangement of vacuum cups during acquisition and retention of an object;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with an embodiment including retention stabilizing pads during acquisition and retention of an object;

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative diagrammatic view of a system in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention that includes a retention tray;

FIG. 12A-12F show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with an embodiment including a retention tray during acquisition, retention and release of an object;

FIG. 13 shows an illustrative diagrammatic view of a system in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention that includes a retention support;

FIGS. 14A and 14B show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with an embodiment including a retention support during acquisition, retention and release of an object;

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative diagrammatic view of the end effector system of FIG. 13 approaching a jumble of objects;

FIGS. 16A and 16B show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with an embodiment of FIG. 15 including a retention support during acquisition and retention of an object;

FIG. 17 shows an illustrative diagrammatic view of a system in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention that includes multiple vacuum cups;

FIGS. 18A-18C show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with an embodiment including multiple vacuum cups during acquisition and retention of an object; and

FIGS. 19A and 19B show illustrative diagrammatic sectional views of the end effector portion in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention employing positive air pressure to create a vacuum at the end effector.

The drawings are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with various embodiments, the invention provides end effector systems that include two elements, one element for acquisition, and one element for secure holding during transportation. The acquisition element may be specialized to address challenges of acquisition, which may include perception of a desired object, separating the object from supporting or surrounding objects, and shifting the object to a position and orientation suited for transportation.

The secure holding element may be specialized to address challenges of transportation, which may include security and stability during transport, despite gravitational forces, high speed acceleration, centrifugal forces, and contact with surrounding objects.

Generally and in certain embodiments, the invention provides an end effector system for a robotic system, e.g., an articulated arm robotic system or any of a delta, gantry, spherical, SCARA, or cylindrical robotic systems. The end effector system includes a primary gripper system and a secondary retention system that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the primary gripper system. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the primary gripper system may be drawn up within at least a portion of the secondary retention system such that the primary gripper system may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be used to secure the object for rapid transport to an output destination.

More generally, and in accordance with a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of engaging and moving an object using a robotic system. The method includes the steps of engaging the object with a primary gripper system, moving the object toward a secondary retention system, retaining the object with the secondary retention system, and transporting the object to an output destination.

FIG. 1 shows a robotic system 10 in accordance with embodiments of the invention that includes an articulated arm 12 on a base 14, and an end effector system 16. As further shown in FIG. 2, the end effector system may attach to the articulated arm 12 by way of an engagement feature 18 (such as threads, spring-loaded clasp, or ball and socket engagement) that mate with an engagement feature on the articulated arm 12, and further, the end effector system may include a primary gripper system including a gripper 22 on the end of an extender 20, as well as secondary retention system 24 as discussed in more detail below. As each of the acquisition element and the secure holding element may vary, and many different embodiments are possible. The gripper in each of the embodiments, for example, may be any of a vacuum gripper, an electrostatic gripper, or a magnetic gripper etc.

FIGS. 3A-3C diagrammatically show sectional views of an end effector system 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that includes a primary gripper system including a gripper 32 on the end of an extender 34. The end effector system 30 also includes a secondary retention system including a flexible toroid 36.

The flexible toroid is a fluid-filled or powder filled (and optionally elastic) flexible membrane that is compressed and inverted as it is drawn into the center of the supporting structure. Such a device is formed of a continuous sheet of fabric that is in the form of a torus, or an annulus that extends along the direction that extends through the center of the annulus.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a portion of the outer surface of the flexible toroid 36 is attached to the inner surface of the housing 38 as shown at 40, and a portion of the inner surface of the elastic toroid is attached to the extender at 41. The toroid is able to move up and down (by rolling) between the outer collar and the inner extender.

With reference to FIG. 3B, the extender 34 may be moved in the direction as indicated at A such that the vacuum gripper 32 engages an object to be grasped 42. By supplying a vacuum source through the extender 34, the object may be engaged. As further shown in FIG. 3B, when the extender 34 is moved in the direction as indicated at A, it draws the inner surface of the elastic toroid with it, which causes one end of the elastic toroid to roll inward upon itself in direction A, while the opposing end of the elastic toroid will roll outward. While the elastic toroid 36 undergoes this process of everting, it remains attached to the housing 38 at the attachment 40.

As shown in FIG. 3C, when the engaged object is pulled into the elastic toroid, the object is securely engaged for transport or other processing operations. By controlling the movement of the elastic toroid as described above, the end effector may be used to draw the object 42 into the elastic toroid and hold it within the elastic toroid until the linear actuator is moved in a direction that is opposite the direction indicated at A (and the object 42 is discharged). The elastic toroid is formed of a flexible material that may conform to the shape of the object 42 being grasped. The fluid (or powder) within the elastic toroid may be water (or plastic particles) or may be selected to have a particular viscosity.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C (which show diagrammatic sectional views), an end effector system 50 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes a primary gripper system including a gripper 52 on the end of an extender 54. The end effector system 50 also includes a secondary retention system including a jamming gripper 56 having one or more vacuum attachment ports 58. Generally, the jamming gripper encloses a fluid or volume of particles having a very small size (e.g., powder) such that when a vacuum source is provided to the ports 58, the jamming gripper 56 reduces its volume and grabs any object within its outer edge. The jamming gripper 56 is also attached to the interior of the housing 60 as shown at 62.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the extender 54 may be extended, permitting the gripper 54 to engage an object 64, and as shown in FIG. 4C, when the object is drawn up near or into the jamming gripper 56, the jamming gripper engages at least a portion of the outer surface of the object 64. As shown in FIG. 4D, when the vacuum source is applied to the jamming gripper 56, the gripper 56 conforms to the surface of the object 64, thereby securing the object 56 for transport or other processing operations.

In each of the embodiments of FIG. 3A-4D, the secondary retention system may have difficulty engaging an object from an input area, but when combined with the primary gripper system, the end effector systems may acquire an object and subsequently securely retain the object, even when the end effector system undergoes rapid linear and angular acceleration or deceleration.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C (which show diagrammatic sectional views), an end effector system 70 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes a primary gripper system including a gripper 72 on the end of an extender 74. The gripper 72 may be any of a vacuum gripper, an electrostatic gripper, or a magnetic gripper etc. The end effector system 70 also includes a secondary retention system including a large area gripper 76 (e.g., a vacuum gripper, an electrostatic gripper, or a magnetic gripper etc.) that surrounds the extender 74. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the gripper 72 is extended into a cluttered environment (including, e.g., objects 80, 82, 84), the gripper 72 may engage an object 82, and draw the object toward the large area gripper 76, which then surrounds the gripper 72. The large area gripper 76 is then employed during rapid transport or further processing operations.

FIGS. 6A-6D show a diagrammatic sectional view of an end effector system 90 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, which includes a primary gripper system including a gripper 92 on the end of an extender 94. The gripper 92 may be any of a vacuum gripper, an electrostatic gripper, or a magnetic gripper etc. The end effector system 90 also includes a secondary retention system including two or more constricting actuators 96 (e.g., pinch grippers), that may be rotated with respect to pivot locations 98 such that a portion of each actuator 96 may engage a portion of an object to thereby secure the object.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 6B, the actuator 92 may be extended to engage an object such as a bag 100 that includes loose items 102. As shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the bag 100 may be acquired by the gripper 92, and the constricting actuators 96 may then be rotated to secure the bag 100 within the end effector system 90.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an end effector 110 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention that includes a first portion 112 having a vacuum cup that may be actuated to engage an object 114, and then may withdraw the grasped object within a second portion 116 in the form of a shroud. In various embodiments, the first portion 112 may move toward the object while the shroud 116 remains fixed, or in other embodiments, the first portion may be fixed, and the shroud 116 may be actuated to move toward the object 114 once grasped.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an end effector 120 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention that includes a first portion 122 having a vacuum cup that may be actuated to engage an object 124, and then may withdraw the grasped object 124. A second portion 126 that includes two or more paddles 128 then move radially inward as shown at A to secure the grasped object 124.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an end effector 130 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention that includes a first portion 132 having a vacuum cup that may be actuated to engage an object 134. The object 134 is then withdrawn toward a second portion 136 that includes one or more additional vacuum cups 138 (three are shown) to secure the object 134 during transport. In accordance with further embodiments, the first portion 132 may be fixed with respect to an articulated arm, and the second portion 136 may be lowered onto the object 134.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an end effector 140 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention that includes a first portion 142 having a vacuum cup that may be actuated to engage an object 144. The object 144 is then withdrawn toward a second portion 146 that includes one or more compliant pads 148 to secure the object 144 during transport. In accordance with further embodiments, the first portion 142 may be fixed with respect to an articulated arm, and the second portion 146 may be lowered onto the object 144.

FIG. 11 shows a robotic system 210 in accordance with further embodiments of the invention that includes an articulated arm 212 on a base 214, and an end effector system 216. The end effector system may include a primary gripper system including a gripper 222 on the end of an extender 220, as well as secondary retention system 224 as discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 12A-12F. As each of the acquisition element and the transportation element may vary, many different embodiments are possible. The gripper in each of the embodiments, for example, may be any of a vacuum gripper, an electrostatic gripper, or a magnetic gripper etc.

FIGS. 12A-12F diagrammatically show views of the end effector system 216 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that includes a primary gripper system including the gripper 222 on the end of the extender 223. The secondary retention system 224 includes a suspended cup 226 that may be mounted on an actuated member 228 such that the suspension point of the cup 226 may be moved relative to the base of the end effector system 216.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the gripper 222 may engage and acquire an object 230, and bring the object 230 toward the suspended cup 226. As shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D, the end effector 216 may then be rotated, causing the suspended cup to move below the object 230. As shown in FIG. 12E, the object 230 may then be dropped into the suspended cup 226. The robotic system may, in certain applications, acquire and place many such objects into a cup prior to transport. Following transport to an output destination, in certain embodiments, the cup 226 may include a releasable bottom 232 that may be actuated to drop the one or more objects into the output destination.

FIG. 13 shows a system 250 that includes an articulated arm 252 on a base 254 as well as an end effector portion 256. The end effector portion 256 includes a primary acquisition portion 258 and a secondary retention system 260. As further shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the primary acquisition system includes a vacuum cup on an actuator shaft 264 that passes through an actuatable magnetic coil within arm 266. The secondary retention system 260 includes a tray for supporting the object 262 once grasped as shown in FIG. 14B. As shown in FIG. 15, such an end effector portion 256 may also be employed to selectively pull one object (e.g., 270) from a mix of objects 272. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the primary acquisition system 258 may acquire the object 270, and the secondary retention system may then support the retained object 270.

In accordance with further embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 17, a system 300 of the invention may provide an end effector system that includes a primary acquisition system 302 and a secondary retention system 304, each of which includes a vacuum cup and a pivot joint. When the primary acquisition system 302 engages an object 306 (as shown in FIG. 18A), the end effector then rotates (as shown in FIG. 18B) such that the secondary retention system 304 also grasp the object 306 so that it may then be lifted and moved (as shown in FIG. 18C).

Again, the gripper attached to the programmable motion extender in each of the embodiments may be any of a vacuum gripper, an electrostatic gripper, or a magnetic gripper etc. In other embodiments, both the primary gripper system and the secondary retention system may involve a wide variety of acquisition and retention systems. For example, in accordance with further embodiments, any of the above disclosed systems may be provided with a vacuum source at the end effector wherein the vacuum is provided by a Venturi opening at the end effector. FIGS. 19A and 19B show an example of a primary retention system 310 (that may be used with any of the above discussed embodiments), and includes a conduit 314 for selectively providing air at positive pressure to an end effector 318. The conduit (which is provided within a second retention system 312 as discussed above), includes an area of restricted diameter 316 as well as a Venturi opening 320. When positive air pressure is provided (as shown in FIG. 19B), the air blows out the end of the conduit and produces a vacuum source at the opening 320, thereby permitting the end effector 318 to acquire an object 322. Again, such a positive air pressure and Venturi system for providing the vacuum, may be used with each of the above embodiments.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications and variations may be made to the above disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An end effector system for an arm of a robotic system, said end effector system comprising: a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector for grasping an object from a first direction; and a secondary retention system that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the primary acquisition system, wherein the secondary retention system is independently actuatable with respect to the primary acquisition system, wherein said secondary retention system applies retention forces in directions that are generally orthogonal to the first direction, and wherein at least a portion of the primary acquisition system may be drawn up within at least a portion of the secondary retention system such that said primary end effector may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be used to secure the object for rapid transport to an output destination, and wherein said secondary retention system includes a flexible membrane generally in the form of an elastic toroid that contains a fluid or powder within the membrane.
 2. The end effector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said primary acquisition system includes a conduit of air at other than atmospheric pressure for facilitating in providing vacuum pressure at the primary end effector.
 3. The end effector system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said air is at a positive pressure and is provided to a Venturi opening at or near the end effector.
 4. An end effector system for an arm of a robotic system, said end effector system comprising: a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector that provides a vacuum at an end effector contact surface; and a secondary retention system proximate to the primary acquisition system and independently actuatable with respect to the primary acquisition system such that said primary end effector may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be independently used to retain the object for rapid transport to an output destination, and wherein said secondary retention system includes a flexible membrane generally in the form of an elastic toroid that contains a fluid or powder within the membrane.
 5. The end effector system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said primary acquisition system includes a conduit of air at other than atmospheric pressure for facilitating in providing vacuum pressure at the primary end effector.
 6. The end effector system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said air is at a positive pressure and is provided to a Venturi opening at or near the end effector.
 7. A method of engaging and moving an object using a robotic system, said method comprising the steps of: engaging the object with a primary end effector of a primary acquisition system along a first direction; moving the object toward a secondary retention system along a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction; retaining the object with the secondary retention system through application of forces along directions that are generally orthogonal to the first and second directions, said step of retaining the object with the secondary retention system being independent of the prior steps of engaging the object and moving the object such that movement of the secondary retention system is not dependent on movement of the primary acquisition system, wherein the secondary retention system includes a flexible membrane generally in the form of a toroid that contains a fluid or powder within the membrane; and transporting the object to an output destination.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said method further includes the step of releasing the object from the primary acquisition system once the object is retained by the secondary retention system.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said primary acquisition system includes a conduit of air at other than atmospheric pressure for facilitating in providing vacuum pressure at the primary end effector.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 9 wherein said air is at vacuum pressure, and wherein the secondary retention system substantially surrounds the conduit of air.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said air is at a positive pressure and is provided to a Venturi opening at or near the end effector, and wherein the secondary retention system substantially surrounds the conduit of air.
 12. An end effector system for an arm of a robotic system, said end effector system comprising: a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector that provides a vacuum at an end effector contact surface; and a secondary retention system proximate to the primary acquisition system and independently actuatable with respect to the primary acquisition system such that said primary end effector may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be independently used to retain the object for rapid transport to an output destination, wherein said secondary retention system includes a retention area for containing the object, and wherein the retention area is defined by a retention bin that includes at least one wall and a floor.
 13. The end effector system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said primary acquisition system includes a conduit of air at other than atmospheric pressure for facilitating in providing vacuum pressure at the primary end effector.
 14. The end effector system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said air is at a positive pressure and is provided to a Venturi opening at or near the end effector.
 15. The end effector system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the floor may be opened to release the object.
 16. A method of engaging and moving an object using a robotic system, said method comprising the steps of: engaging the object with a primary end effector of a primary acquisition system along a first direction; moving the object toward a secondary retention system along a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction; releasing the object from the primary acquisition system once the object is retained by the secondary retention system; retaining the object with the secondary retention system through application of forces along directions that are generally orthogonal to the first and second directions, said step of retaining the object with the secondary retention system being independent of the prior steps of engaging the object and moving the object such that movement of the secondary retention system is not dependent on movement of the primary acquisition system; and transporting the object to an output destination.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein said primary acquisition system includes a conduit of air at other than atmospheric pressure for facilitating in providing vacuum pressure at the primary end effector.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said air is at vacuum pressure, and wherein the secondary retention system substantially surrounds the conduit of air.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said air is at a positive pressure and is provided to a Venturi opening at or near the end effector.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said secondary retention system includes a retention bin proximate to the primary gripper system, and wherein said step of retaining the object with the secondary retention system includes the step of transferring the object from the primary end effector to the retention bin.
 21. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method further includes the step of dropping the object from the secondary retention system into the output destination.
 22. A method of engaging and moving an object using a robotic system, said method comprising the steps of: engaging the object with a primary end effector of a primary acquisition system along a first direction; moving the object toward a secondary retention system along a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction, wherein said secondary retention system includes a retention bin proximate to the primary gripper system; retaining the object with the secondary retention system through application of forces along directions that are generally orthogonal to the first and second directions, said step of retaining the object with the secondary retention system being independent of the prior steps of engaging the object and moving the object such that movement of the secondary retention system is not dependent on movement of the primary acquisition system, wherein said step of retaining the object with the secondary retention system includes the step of transferring the object from the primary end effector to the retention bin; and transporting the object to an output destination.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein said method further includes the step of releasing the object from the primary acquisition system once the object is retained by the secondary retention system.
 24. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said primary acquisition system includes a conduit of air at other than atmospheric pressure for facilitating in providing vacuum pressure at the primary end effector.
 25. The method as claimed in claim 24 wherein said air is at vacuum pressure.
 26. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said air is at a positive pressure and is provided to a Venturi opening at or near the end effector.
 27. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the method further includes the step of transferring the object from the retention bin to the output destination when the retention bin is moved to the output destination.
 28. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the step of transferring the object from the retention bin to the output destination involves dropping the object from the retention bin into the output destination. 